EP Country Districts all-rounders, captain Kevin Bennet and veteran Melville Daniels, helped their side land a four-wicket win against EP Midlands last weekend.
EP Country Districts all-rounders, captain Kevin Bennet and veteran Melville Daniels, helped their side land a four-wicket win against EP Midlands last weekend.
The Cricket SA Rural fixture played in Graaff-Reinet on Saturday 8 December was EP Rural's third win after losing a game against Boland East earlier in the season.
Midlands won the toss and sent the Grahamstown-area players in to bowl first. The day was very hot and they had to make do with an uneven pitch.
Midlands lost two early wickets due to some great upfront bowling by the visitors, but bounced back to gain some momentum.
Edorique Gouws, a former EP Grahamstown player, consolidated the innings and played patiently to rescue his team. He made 69 runs from 97 balls, while Jason Jacobs (25) and Brandon Kleynhans (23) helped Midlands' run rate along.
EP Rural's opening bowler, Warren Bowdler, was brilliant, especially during his second spell. He was the visitors' best bowler on the day.
He bowled with both aggression and fine control, taking four wickets for 34 runs in 10 overs.
Bowdler was well supported by Bennet (1/28 in 10), Daniels (1/38 in 10) and Xolisi Booi (1/30 in eight).
Midlands made 191 for nine in their allotted 50 overs.
In their run chase EP Rural lost two early wickets in the form of their openers. Thereafter Drew Matthews (22) and Bennet (60) put up a well-played partnership of 67 runs to get their side back on track.
The wickets continued to fall but Bennet stood firm and dispatched the home side's bowlers all over the park. He ended up with a satisfying 60 runs (40 balls, 11 4s).
EP Rural again had a mini collapse, but the veteran Daniels came out and calmly approached the situation. He made 58 not out, an innings that included seven 4s off 88 balls in 106 minutes.
In the end Daniels steered his side to victory.
Dean Marais took 3/48 in 10 overs for Midlands.
EP Rural made 193 for six in 41.2 overs.
EP Rural Manager Andrew Marshall wasn't entirely happy with their fielding, as the team is known to be a good fielding side.
He congratulated his players' character, however, especially batsmen like Bennet and Daniels who stood firm. He also commended the bowlers who improved towards the end of the innings.
